Back in 2014, I wrote about my favourite ramen shops in Toronto. Since then, I’ve managed to cross a few more restaurants off my bucket list and more new names have popped up in the city. It’s about time to refresh my list. My rating criteria has remained the same and I’ve only included restaurants that serve only ramen, not including Izakayas who have ramen on the menu or any Chinese noodle shops. I’ve also listed the restaurant’s previous ranking next to their new ranking. In general, many of the new entries rank high and Kinton has improved several spots. This was mainly due to how accessible they are and with the new North York location, The Hubby and I are there often. 

What I look for in a bowl of ramen are three things:

1. The noodles – are they chewy? has a good texture? not doughy and not over done?
2. The broth – is it rich? how much fat is there? is it bland? and even for me, is it too salty?
3. The toppings – what’s included? is there an egg? how’s the meat cooked? garlic paste? bamboo? seaweed? is there a good portion and balance?

Based on these criteria, here’s my ranking of Toronto Ramen shops (as of Aug. 2016)

Still TBE (To Be Eaten)

• Jinya Toronto
• Ramen Kyouka

Did I miss your favourite restaurant? Let me know in the comments. Last Updated: 08/04/2016

01. Fresh Burger

Rating/Price: 4.5 $
Why? Great burger, loose patty, good poutine
Must Order: Prime Fresh Burger
Good For? Burgers, quick meal

 

02. The Fry

Rating/Price: 4.5 $$
Why? Crispy, juicy, well spiced Korean Fried Chicken
Must Order: Half/Half KFC Combo
Good For? Big groups, beer and fried chicken

 

03. DaiLo

Rating/Price: 4.0 $$$
Why? Innovative menu, authentic Asian flavours, sickasianfood
Must Order: Big Mac Baos, Whole Fried Trout
Good For? Big groups, dates, late night bar, snacks and cocktails

 

04. Bar Isabel

Rating/Price: 5.0 $$$
Why? I wanted seconds of everything on the menu
Must Order: Roast Bone Marrow, Whole Sea Bream Ceviche
Good For? Dates, small groups, cocktails, late night meal

 

05. Yasu

Rating/Price: 4.0 $$$$
Why? Unique dining experience, refined atmosphere and hard to find sashimi
Must Order: Omakase
Good For? Couples, small groups, special occasions, sashimi enthusiasts

 

06. Gourmet Malaysia

Rating/Price: 4.5 $
Why? Rich authentic flavours, buttery roti
Must Order: Crispy Butter Prawns, Curry and Roti
Good For? Big groups, family dinners, casual meal

 

07. The Stockyards Smokehouse and larder

Rating/Price: 5.0 $
Why? Darn good fried chicken
Must Order: Fried Chicken Dinner Platter
Good For? Takeout, small groups, quick meal, comfort food

 

08. Emma's Country Kitchen

Rating/Price: 5.0 $
Why? One of the best buttermilk biscuits ever
Must Order: Buttermilk Biscuit, Pancakes
Good For? Small groups, brunch, breakfast

 

Honorable Mentions:

• Khao San Road – 5.0 $$
• Pho Dau Bo – 5.0 $
• Porzia – 5.0 $$$
• Dumpling King – 5.0 $
• Jacobs & Co – 4.0 $$$$
• Taro’s Fish – 5.0 $$
• Oyster Boy – 4.5 $$$

Did I miss your favourite restaurant? Let me know in the comments.

Last Updated: 12/30/2014

1.0 Sansotei Ramen

Rating/Price: 5.0 $
Why? Great ramen, well priced, downtown location, lots of repeat visits
Must Order: Tonkotsu Ramen
Good For? Quick meals, small groups

 

2.0 Farmhouse Tavern

Rating/Price: 5.0 $$
Why? Complex menu, comfort food, savoury rich and delicious
Must Order: Mother and Child Reunion, Hangover Poutine
Good For? Brunch, relaxed meal, any sized group

 

3.0 Sukho Thai

Rating/Price: 5.0 $$
Why? Started my love for Chef Nuit's Thai cooking
Must Order: Pad Thai, Penang Curry
Good For? Big groups, casual dinner, pre-going out dinner, special celebration

 

4.0 The Burger's Priest

Rating/Price: 5.0 $
Why? Made me appreciate a good burger
Must Order: The Priest (always order The Option)
Good For? Burgers, quick lunch, grab and go

 

Honorable Mentions:

• The Whippoorwill Restaurant – 4.5 $
• Shanghai Dim Sum – 4.5 $$
• Fin Izakaya – 4.5 $$
• JaBistro 5.0 $$$$

Did I miss your favourite restaurant? Let me know in the comments.

Last Updated: 11/27/2014

1. Yu Garden

Rating/Price: 4.0 / $
Why? Amazing xiao long baos, thin, chewy texture, plenty of soup
Must Order: Shrimp and minced pork xiao long bao
Good For? Families, lunch, quick meals

 

2. Shanghai Dim Sum

Rating/Price: 4.5 / $$
Why? Thin wrappers, juicy filling and perfectly steamed
Must Order: Xiao Long Bao original filling and with crab
Good For? Families, lunch, quick meals, big groups

 

3. Ding Tai Fung

Rating/Price: 3.5 / $
Why? Central Markham location, fresh made baos, great filling
Must Order: Xiao Long Bao, Egg white with seafood
Good For? Families, dinner, dim sum

 

4. Xiao Long Bao

Rating/Price: 4.0 / $$
Why? New restaurant, less busy than Ding Tai Fung with great XLB
Must Order: Xiao long bao with crab, Beef brisket noodle
Good For? Dim sum, families, quick meals, large groups

 

Honorable Mentions:

• N/A

Still TBE (To be Eaten):

• Mother’s Dumplings
• Chinese Traditional Buns
• Asian Legend
• A La Kitchen
• 369 Shanghai Dim Sum
• Dumpling House
• Lee Chen

Did I miss your favourite restaurant? Let me know in the comments.

Last Updated: 01/06/2016